What Causes Milk Discharge From Breast?

Posted on Sun, 2 Mar 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 2 Mar 2014 Answered on

Mon, 24 Mar 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have Hoshimotos Thyroiditis auto immune levels in blood. I recently had some oily, sweet smelling breast milk come out of one of my breasts and it filled my entire bra. I also have Fribrocystic Breast changes. Do you think the discharge could be from one of these two conditions? Also, I am 49 years old. I just got off the birthcontroll pill in December that I was taking every day of the month for my uterine Fibroids. I didnt have a period for a whole year because was on the pill all 30 days. I started to feel lowsy without a period. Since I've been off the pill, I have ovulated twice and had two periods. Since December (3 months ago) I have had 2 prolactin episodes. ???

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (2 hours later)

Brief Answer: Needs investigations. Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for trusting us with your health concern. The milk discharge from breast can be due to the hormonal imbalance caused in the body due to continuous intake of birth control pills. This is called galactorrhea. This should go away on its own as nothing can be done for the hormonal imbalance. However other causes also need to be ruled out. The mammary duct ectasia has to be ruled out. It causes one or more of the ducts beneath your nipple to become inflamed and clogged with a thick, sticky substance. Another possibility is of an underactive thyroid gland, tumor (prolactinoma) or other disorder of the pituitary gland and chronic breast stimulation, such as from frequent breast self-exams or sexual activity. Last possibility is of intraductal papilloma (less likely). It is a small, usually noncancerous (benign) growth that projects into a milk duct near your nipple. You should consult a gynecologist and get an examination done. All these causes can be ruled out after some simple blood tests and a detailed examination from your gynecologist. Please feel free to discuss further. I will be glad to answer the follow up queries that you have. Wishing you good health. Regards. Dr. Rakhi Tayal. For future query, you can directly approach me through my profile URL http://bit.ly/Dr-Rakhi-Tayal

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (40 hours later)

Hi Again! Thanks for the answer. I do have 15 free follow up questions left :) I may not use them all today. However, I do have a question now. I just ovulated a few days ago, followed by the prolactic episode in my left breast this time. a couple of months ago I had the other prolactic episode in my right breast. Please read over my above first question to familiarize yourself with this part of the question. So, this prolactic episode was followed by ovulation (smaller amount), my breast/nipples are tender now for over a week. I have been taking I.B. profin to take the tenderness away, but I can not run like usually do. Also, I am going to get my blood work done as you suggested. In the meantime, will this tenderness go away closer to period. It feels like I may be slightly engorged, or its my Fibrocystic Breast Conditon flaring up?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Rakhi Tayal (7 hours later)

Brief Answer: Due to hormonal changes. Detailed Answer: Hello. Thanks for writing again. The slight tenderness in the breast is due to hormonal changes associated with the cycle. This is likely to reduce after your periods start. In case the pain persists or aggravates then do consult your gynecologist for investigations. Hope my answer is helpful. If you do not have any clarifications, you can close the discussion and rate the answer. Wish you good health. Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar